The Daily 5

Yesterday I awoke early in the morning with a strong urge to finally read my copy of The Daily 5.  I have no idea why, but when I have these urges there's no stopping me.  So, there I was at 8:00 in the morning climbing and digging through my gazillion teacher totes {no exaggeration on the number of totes... they are consuming half of my new two car garage}.  I knew exactly which color tote it was in so I was focused on my mission to find that one book.  After finally making contact with each and every dark green tote in my garage I still couldn't find it.  {Please keep in mind that I just moved from NC to OH so my things still aren't settled.}  Seriously, it was in the one random green tote that somehow got put inside in the computer room!!

Ok, so after my exciting adventure to find my Daily 5 book I started reading and then I kept reading... I couldn't put it down!  I read the entire book yesterday.  Where I have been hiding?  Have I been under a rock for the past four years?!  Why did no one share this book with me sooner and tell me I had to read it?  This book should be given to all new hire teachers.  I was so clueless my first year about running productive literacy stations and small groups.  As embarrassing as it is to admit, I still don't think I'm too good at it after four years!  I'm constantly tweaking and changing my process to try to find what works.

Probably a year or so ago I started hearing about The Daily 5 when I first discovered the bloggy world.  I just kept thinking, "Oh no, this sounds too complicated.  It couldn't possibly work with my students or schedule."  I couldn't have been so wrong.  After reading this book I realize that The Daily 5 can be used in any classroom, with any age group, with any schedule.  Now that I've rejoined the modern teaching world with this amazing program, I am so excited to implement it in the classroom.

Now, I want to hear from you.  Do you use The Daily 5 in your classroom?  If so, how does it work?  What struggles have you had with it?  Do you have any suggestions for a newbie implementing it?  I just love hearing from all of you!

I'm still working on settling into our new apartment and turning all of my 'pinspirations' into reality!  I hope you're enjoying your summer break so far!!  :)

It's Summer!

On Thursday I said goodbye to my students, my classroom, my school, and my co-workers.  It was a great last day.  First, my kiddos finished their memory books {you should see them 'signing' their autographs on the last page... silly kids}, then they went outside for the last time, and we ended the day with floor puzzles, white boards, and unifix cubes.  Who knew unifix cubes could keep my boys' attention for so long!  AWESOME!

Then, came the time to say goodbye.  I was being strong... smiling and hugging... and then one of my little ones started crying.  I couldn't help myself.  Seeing her tears made me cry... and cry... and cry.  Finally, I had all of my kids on their buses when I was called over to a bus because something was wrong with one of my students.  What could be wrong?!  I had gotten them on the bus for 179 days with no problems and now there's a problem on the last day?!  Turns out the little one who had gotten me started crying was still crying hysterically on her bus.  The poor thing.  I picked her up, hugged her, and told her to write me and I'd write her back {I gave all my kids a stamped & addressed envelope so they could write to me after I move}.  Still crying I had to put her back on the bus so they could leave.  BROKE. MY. HEART.

Once the kids were gone we had a staff lunch.  I kept my tears under control for the most part until I had to say goodbye to my dear co-workers who have been on this four year teaching journey with me.  I had to keep telling myself that I'd be seeing everyone in the virtual world on Facebook and Pinterest.  That made it a little easier.

The hardest part of the day may have been walking out of my classroom for the last time.  Before this job I had been a sub and taught preschool for a year, but this classroom is truly where I became the teacher I am.  I don't think it's really hit me that I will never be in that classroom again.  TEAR.

Another hard goodbye will be saying farewell to my team.  Luckily, we've squeezed in a dinner together and will do lunch together one more time before I pack up my moving truck.  These girls are truly amazing.  My team has changed a little every year with people coming and going, but this has been an awesome year and I will miss each one of them.  {I love you girls!}

Now, I am left to look ahead to what life in Ohio will bring.  Fingers are crossed that I am able to find a teaching job.  I can't imagine not being in a teaching position of some sort in the fall.  We shall see.....

For now, I'll be packing the last of my boxes and preparing for our big move this week.  I probably won't be blogging for a couple weeks while we get settled in our new place, but I'll be back after that.  :)